National briefs

Australia and South Africa issued a joint statement calling on the International Monetary Fund to ignore convention and appoint its new leader on the basis of ability and not nationality. Both countries, which are co-chairs of a committee considering reforms of the fund, claimed its “legitimacy has been undermined" by a convention to appoint its senior management on their nationality. The IMF is considering candidates for a new managing director following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is to be tried for attempted rape of a hotel chambermaid in New York. “In order to maintain trust, credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the stakeholders, there must be an open and transparent selection process which results in the most competent person being appointed, regardless of their nationality," according to the statement issued by the Australian Treasury and South Africa’s Ministry of Finance. Duncan Hughes

Former Reserve Bank of Australia governor
Bernie Fraser
said his successor
Glenn Stevens
’ salary is appropriate and that government oversight may result in compensation that is too low. Treasurer Wayne Swan indicated last month the government may consider removing the Reserve Bank’s control of its top executives’ salaries, including Stevens’ package, which is worth $1.05 million. Stevens’ base pay in 2010 was more than the combined pay of the heads of the European Central Bank and US Federal Reserve. The debate between the Reserve Bank and Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s government centres on the wages the RBA needs to pay to keep officials in public service in a nation with the world’s sixth-highest gross domestic product per capita. The average compensation of chief executive officers of Australia’s four biggest banks in the most recent fiscal year was $11 million. “The workload is solid and there’s a lot of responsibility; you are making a decision that affects everyone in the country so you don’t take those lightly and you think very carefully about them," Mr Fraser, 70, said in an interview. “You have to work hard and it’s the level of responsibility that weighs on you." Bloomberg

The West Australian government was criticised for spending more than $445,000 on a one-storey elevator at Government House to accommodate the Queen when she visits Perth in October. The government said the elevator would be used to provide disability access to users during the royal visit. AAP

Australian actor Bill Hunter died in Melbourne at the age of 71 from cancer. Tributes have flowed in from across the country for the well-known figure, including from actor Russell Crowe, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, South Australian Premier Mike Rann and broadcaster and comedian Adam Hills. Mr Hunter had more than 100 movie and television credits to his name, including Muriel’s Wedding, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Strictly Ballroom. His career in entertainment spanned more than 50 years. Ms Gillard said yesterday Mr Hunter had brought Australian characters to life using his great talent. She said he helped define Australian culture and gave Australian stories a voice. Mr Crowe said: “Very sad to hear about Bill Hunter. Unique talent." Mr Crowe met Mr Hunter in 1970 on the set of Spyforce. “Thanks for the entertainment, mate. RIP," he said. Mr Hunter died on Saturday surrounded by family and friends.